I spent two rejuvenating days at a mountain resort near Panshan Mountain in Jizhou District, Tianjin—a hidden gem that offers luxury accommodations at budget prices. Nestled among ancient trees and pristine lakes, 1618 Health Resort combines the tranquility of rural China with surprisingly upscale amenities. From authentic halal cuisine and cozy bonfire gatherings to morning hikes with mountain views, this getaway revealed a side of Tianjin that most international travelers never discover. If you're seeking a peaceful escape from Beijing's hustle without breaking the bank, this mountain retreat delivers an experience that feels much more expensive than it actually is.
Trip Overview
When: July (Summer)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~60 RMB (~$8 USD) per person
Location: Jizhou District, Tianjin (near Panshan Mountain)
Transportation: Private car or bus from Tianjin/Beijing
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
When I first arrived at 1618 Health Resort (一六一八养生度假庄园 - Yāo Liù Yāo Bā Yǎngshēng Dùjià Zhuāngyuán), I couldn't believe this was the same place that advertised "farmhouse prices." The entrance opened to reveal a pristine courtyard surrounded by ancient trees, with the majestic Panshan Mountain looming in the background. The resort sits within the Tanghua Mansion Golf Club grounds, giving it an unexpectedly upscale setting.
I walked through the property, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of birdsong. The fresh mountain air hit me immediately—a stark contrast to Beijing's pollution. The resort's location is truly enviable: surrounded by mountains on all sides, with ancient trees and even a natural waterfall nearby.
Looking up, I could see Panshan Mountain's peaks rising against the sky. A local staff member told me the resort is connected to the royal gardens that once belonged to Qing Dynasty emperors who vacationed here. Standing in the courtyard, listening to the wind rustle through the trees and the gentle flow of a nearby stream, I felt like I had stepped back in time.
🎯 Practical Info
Location: Jizhou District, Tanghua Mansion Golf Club, Tianjin Distance: ~100km from Beijing, ~120km from Tianjin city center Best Time: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October) for hiking; Summer for cool mountain air Address in Chinese: 天津市蓟州区唐华公馆高尔夫球会院 (for taxi drivers)
I found a quiet corner of the courtyard and just sat there with my friends, sipping tea and listening to what felt like a natural symphony—the rustling leaves, the birds, the distant sound of a waterfall. It was exactly the kind of peaceful escape from city life I had been craving.
Exploring the Grounds
The resort's owner spent three years developing this property, and it shows. Every corner has been thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings. I wandered through the gardens, admiring the traditional Chinese architecture mixed with modern amenities.
In the afternoon, I took a short hike toward Beishaolin Temple (北少林寺 - Běi Shàolín Sì), one of China's ancient Buddhist temples, while other guests headed south to Panshan Temple (盘山寺 - Pánshān Sì). The hiking trails around the resort are well-marked and offer stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
The area is dotted with strange rock formations and historic sites. Standing on a ridge overlooking the valley, I watched the sunset paint the mountains in shades of orange and pink. The owner had described this place as "like an exquisitely embroidered brocade," and for once, the poetic description felt accurate.
Evening: Halal Dinner and Bonfire
As evening approached, the resort's restaurant prepared for dinner. The resort specializes in halal cuisine (清真美食 - Qīngzhēn Měishí), following Muslim dietary guidelines, which made it a popular choice for diverse groups.
The menu featured local specialties made with fresh, natural ingredients. I was surprised by the variety—everything from mountain vegetables to locally-raised lamb. The dishes were beautifully presented, and the flavors were authentic to the region's culinary traditions.
As darkness fell, the staff lit a bonfire in the courtyard. The crackling fire, the star-filled sky, and the silhouette of the mountains created a magical atmosphere. My friends and I sat around the fire, drinking local wine and eating grilled lamb skewers, watching the moon rise over the mountain peaks.
🍽️ Dining Info
Cuisine: Halal Chinese and local Jizhou specialties Capacity: 100+ guests simultaneously Specialties: Grilled lamb, mountain vegetables, local river fish Customization: Menu can be adjusted based on preferences and budget Price Range: Budget-friendly (explains the "farmhouse price" reputation)
Day 2: Mountain Activities and Relaxation
I woke up early the next morning to catch the sunrise over Panshan Mountain. The cool morning air carried the scent of pine trees and wildflowers. Standing on the resort's terrace with a cup of tea, I watched the first rays of sunlight illuminate the mountain peaks—one of those travel moments that makes the early wake-up worthwhile.
BBQ and Outdoor Cooking
For lunch, we arranged a barbecue at the resort's outdoor grilling area. The resort offers various grilled options: whole roasted lamb (烤全羊 - kǎo quán yáng), lamb chops, chicken wings, and traditional lamb skewers.
The resort provided all the equipment and ingredients. My friends and I took turns grilling, learning proper techniques from the staff. The whole roasted lamb was the highlight—a traditional dish that takes several hours to prepare properly. When we finally cut into it, the meat was tender, juicy, and infused with the smoky flavor of the wood fire.
We paired the grilled meat with local vegetables and flatbread, creating a feast that rivaled any high-end restaurant in Beijing. The combination of fresh mountain air, good company, and delicious food made it one of the best meals I've had in China.
🔥 BBQ Options
Whole Roasted Lamb: Perfect for groups of 8+ people Lamb Chops: Marinated in local spices Lamb Skewers: Classic street food style (chuar) Chicken Wings: Kid-friendly option Vegetables: Corn, eggplant, peppers Advance Booking: Whole lamb requires 24-hour notice
Accommodation Review
During the afternoon, I had a chance to tour the different room types available at the resort. Despite the budget-friendly pricing, the accommodations were surprisingly upscale.
The resort offers several room categories:
Luxury Lake View Suite: Panoramic views of the resort's private lake Luxury Mountain View King: Wake up to mountain vistas Lake View King: Mid-range option with water views Chinese-style Loft: Traditional architecture with modern amenities Orchard Twin Room: Surrounded by fruit trees Outdoor Lake View Twin: Direct terrace access
All rooms feature private bathrooms with 24-hour hot water, air conditioning, and—most importantly—bedding that meets five-star hotel standards. The linens were crisp and clean, changed between every guest and sanitized thoroughly. After a long day of hiking and eating, sinking into that comfortable bed felt like pure luxury.
🏨 Room Information
Standard: Five-star hotel quality bedding Cleaning: Linens changed between every guest, full sanitization Amenities: Private bathroom, hot water, A/C, TV, WiFi Best Feature: Large windows with natural light and mountain views Atmosphere: "Home away from home" feeling
Entertainment Facilities
The resort offers plenty of activities to keep guests entertained. I tried the KTV room (karaoke is practically mandatory at Chinese gatherings), and my friends played mahjong in the dedicated game room. There's also a small fitness area, billiards, table tennis, and even a real-life shooting range for archery practice.
For those who prefer outdoor activities, the resort offers fruit picking in season (apples and pears are especially good here), and there's access to the adjacent Tanghua Mansion Golf Course. I don't play golf, but I enjoyed walking along the perfectly manicured fairways, enjoying views of the mountains from every angle.
In the late afternoon, I found a quiet spot by the lake to read a book. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of water against the shore and the occasional bird call. It was hard to believe this peaceful retreat was only a two-hour drive from Beijing's chaos.
🎮 Entertainment Options
Indoor: KTV, Mahjong room, Billiards, Table tennis, Fitness area Outdoor: Golf course access, Fruit picking, Archery/shooting range Activities: Hiking trails to nearby temples, Bonfire parties Special Events: The resort hosts weddings, birthday parties, and corporate retreats
Final Evening: Bonfire Under the Stars
On my last night at the resort, the staff prepared a special bonfire celebration. As darkness fell over the mountains, the fire crackled and popped, sending sparks into the star-filled sky. The temperature dropped quickly at this altitude, making the warmth of the fire even more welcome.
We gathered around the fire with other guests—some were families with children, others were groups of friends like us, and there was even a corporate retreat group. The resort staff brought out more grilled lamb and local wine, and someone started playing traditional Chinese music on a portable speaker.
Looking up at the stars—so much brighter here than in the city—I felt a sense of peace I hadn't experienced in months. The combination of good food, great company, and natural beauty created the perfect ending to a wonderful weekend.
As the fire died down and people started drifting back to their rooms, I took one last walk around the resort grounds. The moon was rising over Panshan Mountain, casting a silvery glow over the lake. I understood why Qing Dynasty emperors chose this area for their summer retreats—there's something truly magical about this place.
Reflections and Practical Tips
Leaving 1618 Health Resort on Sunday afternoon, I felt refreshed in a way that luxury city hotels rarely achieve. This place offers something different—authentic rural China with surprising touches of comfort and quality.
The "farmhouse prices" claim is legitimate—this is genuinely affordable accommodation. But what makes it special is that the low price doesn't mean low quality. The owners have invested in good bedding, clean facilities, and beautiful grounds. They've created a space where you can experience rural China without sacrificing comfort.
Who Should Visit?
This resort is perfect for:
City dwellers needing a quick nature escape Families looking for kid-friendly outdoor activities Groups of friends wanting an affordable weekend getaway Corporate teams seeking retreat facilities International travelers wanting authentic rural Chinese experience Food lovers interested in halal Chinese cuisine
Best Times to Visit
Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming flowers, perfect for hiking Summer (June-August): Cool mountain air (great for escaping Beijing heat), but book early as it's peak season Autumn (September-October): Stunning fall foliage, comfortable temperatures, my personal favorite Winter (November-March): Snow-covered mountains, cozy indoor activities, lower prices but some facilities may be limited
Getting There
🚗 Transportation Options
From Beijing: ~2 hours by car (120km). Take Jingping Highway to Jizhou exit. From Tianjin: ~1.5 hours by car (100km). Take Jinjing Highway. Public Transport: Bus from Beijing Sihui Station or Tianjin North Station to Jizhou, then taxi (~20 minutes) Address for Taxi: 天津市蓟州区唐华公馆高尔夫球会院一六一八养生度假庄园
Booking Tips
Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for weekends, especially in summer Whole lamb BBQ requires 24-hour advance notice Ask for a lake-view or mountain-view room when booking If visiting with a large group, inquire about package deals that include meals and activities The resort can arrange pickup from Jizhou bus station if requested in advance
Budget Breakdown (Per Person, 2 Days)
💰 Typical Costs
Accommodation: 100-200 RMB (~$14-28) per night Meals: 60-100 RMB (~$8-14) per day Activities: Most included; golf course fees extra Transportation: ~100 RMB (~$14) round trip from Beijing by bus Total: ~300-500 RMB (~$42-70) for 2 days
If you're looking for a place to slow down, breathe fresh air, and experience a different side of China without spending a fortune, I highly recommend 1618 Health Resort. It's not fancy or luxurious in the traditional sense, but it offers something more valuable—authentic experiences, natural beauty, and genuine hospitality at prices that make it accessible to everyone.
As I sat on the bus back to Beijing, watching the mountains fade into the distance, I was already planning my return trip. Sometimes the best travel experiences aren't the most expensive ones—they're the ones that surprise you with their simplicity and charm.